Queer Britain: A Journey through Queer History
Image Courtesy: Maha Sapre
The UCL Students’ Union, along with UCL LGBTQ+ Network, hosted a museum visit to Queer Britain for the LGBTQ+ History Month. Having opened in 2018, Queer Britain is the first and only museum solely dedicated to LGBTQ+ history in the UK. It is a registered charity, which relies on public donations and follows a ‘pay what you can’ model, offering free entry for those who need it. The museum is therefore student budget-friendly, as well as fully accessible.
LGBTQ+ spaces tend to be dominated by representations of white-cis gay men, so Queer Britain's attempt to capture the diversity in the community is worthy of appreciation. One of the most wholesome sights in the museum is the wall titled, "Why is it important for LGBTQ+ people to be seen?" which is open to contributions from every visitor to write their own response. It represents a vast spectrum of identities and intersectionality, a heartwarming proof that Queer people exist in all parts of society. From the start of your journey at the museum, you're filled with a sense of hope and community within the space. Plus, you can add to their collection!
Of course, I would not want to take away from the experience of the museum and share too many spoilers of their displays.. Since it was a private UCL tour, the hosts often engaged in meaningful conversations with the students regarding the exhibition. The museum has displayed pictures from important Queer liberation movements.
One significant story conveyed to us was when some visitors visit the museum, they either recognise themselves or their friends in the pictures. Yes, it is heartwarming. It serves as a reminder that the history of Queer liberation is recent and still being written in current times, especially surrounding Trans Rights movements.
Image Courtesy: Maha Sapre
Queer Britain conducted their third community residency, which was for the East and Southeast Asian LGBTQ+ community in partnership with Queer China UK. The presence of these displays added an essential dynamic to the museum.
The works included life drawings, collages, and nüshu from the community members. A brief explanation of Nüshu is that it was a syllabic script derived from Chinese characters used by ethnic Yao women to communicate their personal and intimate feelings with one another. In a way, it translates to 'women's script'. Along with Nüshu, they also displayed videos that provided a voice to the ESEA LGBTQ+ community, highlighting their struggles, hopes, and continual resilience.
If you are looking for some retail therapy, Queer Britain has a very aesthetic and beautiful shop too. So no, Queer Britain is not a 'boring' kind of museum; in fact, it is an inclusive space for everyone to visit and enjoy, whether you are a member or ally of the LGBTQ+ community.